Sorana Kirstea outlasted Caroline Garcia (the fifth seed and overall winner of the Tournament of Champions) and the win secured her qualification for the Indian Wells quarterfinals. Our athlete told about the secret of a spectacular track recorded at a competition in the Californian desert.

Sorana Kirstea and the secret of Indian Wells: cooperation with the Swedish coach Thomas Johansson

At the end of his match against Garcia (won in three sets, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5), Sorana revealed the secret to his impressive performance in Indian Wells: working with coach Thomas Johansson, a former 2002 Australian Open winner .

“I started training with Thomas Johansson before the season and I felt that I was playing better and better, even if the results were not what I wanted in January and February.

He is an exceptional coach and I think I owe my good form to him” – Sorana Kirsteaquoted by Eurosport.

In addition, Kirstya also talked about the contribution of the Romanian public.

“It’s amazing to have such support so far from home. They were with me wholeheartedly, and I want to thank them. It feels great to be part of such an atmosphere, the victory also goes to the Romanian fans who were incredible” – Sorana Kirstea.

“I’ve never beaten Caro (or Garcia) before, so I knew it was going to be a very tough match. She is a very aggressive player and has been playing very well lately. I knew it would be very difficult, but I am very glad that I managed to win, this success means a lot,” concluded our athlete.

Know:

• This is Sorana’s first victory against a French woman after two consecutive defeats.

• Kirstya reached the quarterfinals for the first time at the WTA 1000 tournament in Indian Wells.

• For the first time, our athlete beat an athlete from the TOP-5 WTA in 2017 in Beijing, beating Karolina Pliskova.

• In the quarters in Indian Wells, Sorana Kirstya will meet with Iga Svyatek, the world leader. The Pole beat Emma Redukana in the round of 16 with a score of 6-3, 6-1. The match lasted an hour and 25 minutes.

• Sorana Kirstya met Iga Sviatek only once at the WTA tournament: at the Australian Open 2022. Then the Pole won in three sets with a score of 5-7, 6-3, 6-3.

• For reaching the quarterfinals of Indian Wells, Sorana Kirstea will receive a check for $184,465 and 215 points in the WTA singles ranking.

Indian Wells will be held from March 6-19 on hard and 96 players have started in the two main draws. The contest offers $8,800,000 each for men and women. Titled champions – Taylor Fritz and Iga Svyatek.